There has been mixed reactions on social media after Nairobi residents confronted and beat up county askaris, popularly known as Kanjos.
In a video that has now gone viral, the county askaris were seen trying to confiscate a few items including plywood seemingly from hardware in the area. This resulted in a confrontation between the officers and the residents.
One of the locals, dragged the materials from the officers’ pick up attracting the attention of other residents and passers-by. Another resident was depicted holding a hammer and arguing with one of the kanjos before proceeding to slap him.
Onlookers who were enraged by the behaviour of the officers were heard inciting others. They could be heard accusing kanjos of failing to respect other people’s businesses.
“Life is hard for everyone, leave the young man alone. We have been quiet for so long. Today we will show you who we really are. Stop trying to push us.”
Even after some officers decided to walk away to avoid creating more fuss, residents followed them forcing the officers to escape after jumping into their pickup.
Some of the residents even followed the vehicle running after it hurling insults and throwing stones at them while cursing.
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Following the incident, Kenyans have called out these officers who are harassing Nairobi residents. Most called upon Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to intervene
Kenyans on social media also lauded the Nairobi residents for standing up against the alleged mistreatment and harassment from the Kanjos against one of them.
Cases of harassment from Kanjo officers has been on the rise in the recent past with Johnson Sakaja being called upon to ensure county askaris follow the law in their operations.